Exit isn’t an event — it’s a strategy A thought leadership perspective for business owners considering a strategic exit

A successful exit isn’t the result of luck or last-minute negotiations. It’s the outcome of clear direction, disciplined planning, and strategic timing. That’s why the most rewarding exits don’t begin with a buyer – they begin with a mindset shift:

“Am I still growing at my potential—or is it time to shape the next chapter?”

If you’re uncertain about accelerating growth or feel the business is stabilising instead of scaling, this may be your window to start planning ahead. Exit readiness doesn’t mean exiting today – it means having the clarity and capability to exit well when the moment arrives.

Exit timing is strategic, not opportunistic

Many owners believe they’ll intuitively know when the time is right. In practice, the signals often appear before we’re ready to see them. Exiting at your peak, while growth is still strong and prospects remain bright, enables a position of strength.

Missing that window can bring consequences:

• Sector valuations begin to decline;
• Competitors consolidate early and gain investor attention; or
• Buyer interest shifts toward more agile or scalable businesses.

The result? Owners find themselves selling reactively, with limited leverage, fewer options, and compromised outcomes.

Why early preparation matters

Being exit-ready doesn’t require an immediate decision to sell, but it does give you control over when and how you move forward. 

Strategic preparation allows you to:

• Clean up and structure financial, tax, and legal documentation;
• Strengthen second-line leadership and reduce founder dependency;
• Diversify your customer base and mitigate reliance on specific vendors or products;
• Articulate a clear, compelling business case to future investors or acquirers; and
• Align your operational, financial, and narrative positioning with buyer expectations.

It’s far easier – and more valuable – to prepare when time is on your side, rather than when urgency forces your hand.

Is it time to explore an exit?

Exit is not a retreat – it’s a transition. For many owners, the hardest part of the process is recognising when to move from building to optimising, and eventually to harvesting.

Ask yourself:

• Is our growth rate slowing relative to peers?
• Are others in our industry consolidating, while we’re standing still?
• Does the business still rely heavily on me, or just a few people?
• Are we maintaining more than we’re evolving?
• Is succession, capital access, or energy becoming a growing concern?

Even subtle signs like these can point to the need for forward planning. The earlier you identify them, the more strategic your options become.

Take the diagnostic quiz

To help business owners reflect on their position, we’ve developed a 10-point Exit Readiness Self-Assessment – a practical tool that highlights your strengths and exposes potential risks.

The quiz examines key factors like sector momentum, revenue growth, operational scalability, team strength, and investor readiness. It’s a quick but structured way to assess whether you're in a position to begin exploring exit strategies, or if you need to strengthen your foundation first.

Whether you're considering an exit in one year or in five, this quiz helps clarify what you need to do next.

Your score will fall into one of three readiness levels:

• Ready
• Partially Ready
• Not Yet Ready

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Wiljadi Tan is Indonesia’s leading exit strategy expert, mastering divestment complexities and bridging owners with investors for successful M&A outcomes. His strategic expertise ensures legacy preservation through informed exits.